Nation marks Independence Day with traditional zeal, fervour

President Mamnoon Hussain, Caretaker Prime Minister Justice (R) Nasir ul Mulk, Chairman Senate, Speaker National Assembly and Chief of Army Staff in a group photo with the children on the occasion of National Independence Day in Islamabad on August 14, 2018. PHOTO: RADIO PAKISTAN

Nationwide Independence Day celebrations kicked off early on Tuesday.

President Mamnoon Hussain hoisted the national flag at Islamabad’s Jinnah Convention Centre on this account. Caretaker Prime Minister Justice (retd) Nasirul Mulk and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa were also present on the occasion. The chief official event was preceded by gun salutes in Islamabad and provincial capitals.

Fireworks are seen over Karachi as part of Independence Day celebrations on August 14, 2018. – Pakistan on August 14 celebrated its 71st anniversary of the country’s independence from British rule. PHOTO: AFP

In separate messages, the President and prime minister facilitated the people on the nation’s 72nd Independence Day. President Hussain emphasised the need to strive for a strong, prosperous and democratic Pakistan. The President reiterated how the struggle for Pakistan was a democratic one. Power could only be wielded through the ballot in such a state, he said. President Hussain termed Pakistan “a blessing of the Almighty” and a “haven” for the Muslims of the sub-continent.

Prime Minister Mulk said August 14 was a reminder of the “epic democratic struggle of our forefathers” to secure a separate homeland for Muslims of the sub-continent where they could fashion their lives in accordance with their religious, cultural and social values.

Attendees wave national flag while singing national songs at a ceremony to celebrate Independence Day in Karachi. PHOTO: REUTERS

He urged the nation to follow the principles of “Unity, Faith and Discipline” to overcome challenges and make “Pakistan a self-reliant, economically vibrant and a prosperous country.”

In the Punjab, Interim Chief Minister Hassan Askar hoisted the national flag and eulogised national heroes. A change of guard ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Iqbal that saw Pakistan Army taking charge from Punjab Rangers.

Members of the Pakistan’s Naval force march during a ceremony to celebrate the country’s 72nd Independence Day at the mausoleum of Mohammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi, Pakistan August 14, 2018. PHOTO: REUTERS